Janice Mattson of Chester, Mont. is the new chair of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).

JANICE MATTSON, Chester, Mont., new chair of USW, is pictured with Michael Edgar, Yuma, Ariz., outgoing chair.

Mattson accepted the reins from outgoing chair Michael Edgar of Yuma, Ariz., during the organization’s recent board of directors meeting in San Diego, Calif.

Don Schieber of Ponca City, Okla., was selected vice chairman and Randy Suess of Colfax, Wash., began his one-year term as secretary-treasurer. Edgar will serve a one-year term as past chairman and chair the USW Budget Committee.

A. G. Kawamura, secretary, California's Department of Food and Agriculture, urged the USW board to actively continue to tell the story of modern agriculture in the face of challenges created by uninformed influence groups. Kawamura is a produce grower in Orange County, Calif.

Michael Michener, administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), affirmed FAS' strong support for export market development. He also pledged that FAS will honor Congress' clear desire to continue investing in export market development on behalf of U.S. farmers.

Edgar was recognized for his service to the organization at a luncheon in his honor attended by his wife Janice and his family, coworkers, colleagues, and friends.